Mets Add Trio Of Venezuelan Shortstops

Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com is reporting that the Mets have agreed to terms with another Venezuelan shortstop, 15 year-old Kenny Hernandez, for $1 million. Hernandez is considered one of the top prospects in this year’s international pool, coming in at number 13 overall on Baseball America’s top 30 list. Here is a portion of his scouting report from MLB.com:

Scouting Grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55

Why do scouts like Kenny Hernandez?

Let’s start with the fact that some evaluators believe Hernandez might have the best all-around swing in the entire class. The 6-foot, 160-pounder has good hands, strong wrists and the quick-twitch action in the batter’s box that scouts love. He also has good bat control, plate discipline and a fluid swing that reminds some people of a young Shawn Green.

The broad-shouldered teenager has gap power and ability to drive the ball to the opposite field. He has good footwork on defense, but it’s unclear if he has the overall skill set to stay at shortstop. Scouts have also praised his makeup and athleticism.

Original- 3:39 p.m.

With the July 2nd deadline to sign international players fast approaching, the Mets have been active today. They’ve added a pair of young shortstops out of Venezuela– a market they’ve been very aggressive in during past years and are expected to be once again this July.

Baseball America has done a great job reporting these signings as well as adding some info on the players which will be featured below.

Yoel Romero, who stands 6 foot, 175 pounds was signed for $300,000.

From Baseball America:

Romero moves around well at shortstop with good agility and average arm strength that plays up because of his short arm stroke and quick release. More quick than fast, he’s a fringy runner with gap power from the right side and projection to grow into more strength.

Shortly after, the Mets announced the signing of another shortstop, 16-year old Edgardo Fermin for $250,000. Fermin is 6 feet, 145 pounds.

Fermin’s game will benefit from additional strength, with solid tools that play up because of his advanced instincts and feel for the game. He’s a below-average runner with a fringy arm but is smooth at shortstop and moves around well at the position. He has shown a line-drive stroke from the right side with occasional gap power and the ability to hang in against good velocity.